The globe artichokes are just starting to bloom and Picture 1 is the first.From 10am to 4pm I was at our digital photography open day at Durban House as part of the Arts Festival. The idea was for EPS (Eastwood Photographic Society) members to be available to offer advice and encouragement to any photographers who happened to be passing and possible attract a few new members. Reg recounts that one previous year somebody asked how to get the film out of their digital camera? Quite understandable I suppose for someone who is completely new to this modern witchcraft.
Unfortunately I wasn't asked anything at all but some of the others were. Jason spent a lot of time helping a keen customer and so did Reg, Roger and Maureen. And I think Mike and Brian dealt with some queries. Unfortunately, most of the time, we outnumbered the clients, of whom we had only a disappointing few. Nevertheless we Club Members enjoyed ourselves muchly. Inevitably we found lots to rabbit-on about. And it was well worth me going, for the Photoshoppery I learnt from Jason. And I think Roger was the same.
Picture 2 is a common thistle in the back garden which I suppose ought to be pulled up but I was struck by the similarities. Wikipaedia describes the 'globe artichoke' as a perennial thistle, so I suppose it isn't surprisingWhen I say pulled up I really mean 'dug out' because they can be tenacious brutes. Perhaps leave it for the new owner, if we ever get one that is.
For lunch at Durban House I had a hot beef sandwich which was pleasant. But served with lettuce? I'm a bit surprised at David (Durban House). However, when I had a coffee refill, that came free - which is a rapidly spreading practice of which I heartily approve.
Reg and I talked about Langold Lake again and mentioned to Mike the possibility of a WOW trip. That is a live 'link' by the way if anyone cares to click it. And for WOW people, I like the sound of Andy's café. We might get a chip butty, but I guess it the place will be alcohol free. The Langold Hotel might be worth a try though.
I know Banksy is frowned on but I firmly believe that eventually his 'graffiti' will be recognised for what it is i.e. Great Art. He has already started to sell well in the galleries:-
::: Banksy:::
"The holy grail is to spend less time making the picture than it takes people to look at it"
Kip time I think (9.40pm - don't believe the time it says at the bottom). Sleep tight everybody.
He obviously has a brian in addition to a nimble spray can.
I think I ought to pop in an example and I'm sure Banksy won't mind at all. If any of the 'it ain't Art' brigade can fail to see the simple power of this piece I fall into a state of despair.
This is his 'Flower Chucker' and in construction terms it is first rate. I know I am a sucker for strong diagonals but................. He can come and spray a version on our wall anytime.
It would probably put off yet another purchaser until some art-dealer rather than Estate Agent told them what it would be worth !!
I think I ought to pop in an example and I'm sure Banksy won't mind at all. If any of the 'it ain't Art' brigade can fail to see the simple power of this piece I fall into a state of despair.This is his 'Flower Chucker' and in construction terms it is first rate. I know I am a sucker for strong diagonals but................. He can come and spray a version on our wall anytime.
It would probably put off yet another purchaser until some art-dealer rather than Estate Agent told them what it would be worth !!
Kip time I think (9.40pm - don't believe the time it says at the bottom). Sleep tight everybody.
Personally, I think the flower of the Globe Artichoke looks better than the ‘fruit’ tastes – very over rated in my view and far too fiddly.
ReplyDeleteWe were once given several giant globe thistle plants from the ‘Old English Garden’ at Kedelston Hall. We had seen them growing and asked if we could take some seeds but were invited to go back later in the year for the plants. But when ours flowered they were artichokes. Very nice though and they lasted, I think, for 15 to 20 years.
We also planted some teasels about 10 years ago, which disappeared; but this year one has returned. I am hoping it will attract Goldfinches.
The digital camera film is reminiscent of the person who thought someone had stolen the engine from his/her Volkswagen Beetle.
I assume David gave you lettuce with your beef sandwich because he had heard you ‘rabbiting on’?
But free repeat coffees is not a new idea. I think I have already mentioned that Sandra used to provide them when we had the Durham (1970s). And Little Chef did it in the 1980s/90s. It was good coffee too. It is an excellent practice which costs very little and is extremely customer friendly; good PR.
I am sure you will not be surprised that I too am a fan of Banksy (and of good quality graffiti in general – I have even written to newspapers about it).
I presume Banksy was an only child? And his ‘Brian’ an invisible friend? I used to have a ‘Raymond’ when I was very young.
'm with you on the globe artichokes, think the flower is much better value than the edible bit (is that the flower bud?).
ReplyDeleteI thought the free coffee refill came from the US originally? I remember being very impressed with the idea, long before it was usual practice here (and it still isn't).
I find the thistles attract the goldfinches - don't dig it up yet....I keep a patch of them especially.
I had an invisible friend called Dimsie Boy - came all through the war with me....